Here are eight top activities in Phoenix, AZ, with details and official websites—no pictures included:
1. Desert Botanical Garden
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What: A 140‑acre oasis showcasing 50,000+ desert plants with thematic trails, a seasonal butterfly pavilion, and educational programs. Visit Phoenix+15Things to do+15USQ Holiday+15
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Hours & Tickets: Open daily; adult tickets ~$24.95, children ~$14.95 Things to do+1Town and Tourist+1
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Website: https://dbg.org/
2. Phoenix Zoo
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What: Home to over 3,000 animals (elephants, tigers, stingrays, giraffes) with interactive exhibits like Stingray Bay and Giraffe Encounter. HERE Phoenix+1Eater Phoenix+1Visit Phoenix
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Hours: Open daily, 7 a.m.–2 p.m. (summer schedule) Visit Phoenix
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Website: https://www.phoenixzoo.org/
3. Phoenix Art Museum
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What: The Southwest’s largest visual art museum with 18,000+ works (American, Asian, European, contemporary); interactive children’s gallery and rotating exhibitions. Wikipedia+15HERE Phoenix+15Hellotickets+15Wikipedia
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Address: 1625 N Central Ave, Phoenix
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Website: https://www.phxart.org/
4. Japanese Friendship Garden (Rohō‑en)
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What: A serene 3.5‑acre traditional Japanese stroll garden with a tea house, symbolizing the sister‑city partnership with Himeji. WikipediaWikipedia
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Website: (Search “Japanese Friendship Garden Phoenix” for current hours/tickets)
5. Phoenix Fan Fusion (Comic‑Con)
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What: Formerly Phoenix Comicon—spectacular pop‑culture convention with panels, cosplay, celebrity guests held at Phoenix Convention Center since 2002. Axios+11Wikipedia+11Visit Phoenix+11Our Community Now+4Wikipedia+4Hellotickets+4
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When: Typically early July (2025: June 6–8 actually) Our Community Now
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Website: http://www.phoenixfanfusion.com/
6. Chase Field – Arizona Diamondbacks Game
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What: Catch a summer MLB game in the air‑conditioned ballpark downtown. Stadium also hosts concerts. Wikipedia+15Hellotickets+15Wikipedia+15
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Address: 401 E Jefferson St, Phoenix
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Tickets start: Around $27
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Website: Search “Arizona Diamondbacks tickets” for schedule and pricing.
7. Dolly Steamboat & Apache Trail Cruise
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What: Scenic boat tours on Canyon Lake via the historical steamboat “Dolly,” exploring Apache Trail and nearby desert ghost-towns. Bleed Cubbie Blue+3hellotickets.co.uk+3Hellotickets+3
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Price: Around €154 (approx. $160)
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Website: Search “Dolly Steamboat Canyon Lake” to book.
8. Salt River Rafting
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What: Cool off on guided rafting or tubing trips down the Salt River with companies like Mild to Wild—options for all skill levels. hellotickets.co.uk+1Visit Phoenix+1
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Website: Search “Mild to Wild Rafting Salt River” for schedules and rates.
📝 Tips for Summer Visits
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Phoenix summers are scorching—prioritize indoor or water‑based activities, like the Zoo, Museum, boat cruises, and rafting. Axios+1Visit Phoenix+1
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Start early or go later in the day to beat peak sun and heat.
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Indoor cultural highlights include the Phoenix Art Museum, Heard Museum, Musical Instrument Museum, and Japanese Garden.
Let me know if you'd like info on tickets, seasonal events (like Artlink’s First Fridays art walk), hiking trails, or kid-friendly options!
